Familiar foes hold no fears for Corrigan

Celtic League:Ravenhill is perhaps behind only Thomond Park when it comes to intimidating atmospheres in the Northern Hemisphere. The record books show Ulster have thumped Toulouse and the Leicester Tigers at the east Belfast venue in recent times. And Stade Français have been felled twice there in as many visits.

It is Ulster's away record in Europe that remains the chief hindrance to a full-blown northern renaissance.

And yet, the place holds no fear for Leinster. Reggie Corrigan tells us so. For the Leinster prop, running out at Ravenhill is an enjoyable experience. Granted, a couple of scars will accrue, but the worst hits are reserved for the visiting French and English.

"We know that we're going to face a real battle on Saturday," says the veteran, who is expected to join his old pal Victor Costello as the second-most-capped Leinster man - with 127 appearances, just eight behind Shane Byrne - tomorrow evening.

"Even though Ulster have received greater international recognition recently, there are a core group of players there who have helped form a good, strong unit. Rest assured, we won't have any fear going up there but we'll certainly respect them.

"It's an advantage travelling to Ravenhill as an Irish side because it's not as intimidating - you're so familiar with the players you're playing against.

"You're playing against your peers, one-time international team-mates, and you're always looking to put one over your opposite number. That adds a bit of spice to the occasion."

For years Corrigan was guaranteed the number-one jersey at provincial level - but no longer. Furthermore, he is 36 years old, so this is probably his last competitive trip north.

"I remember a time you'd go up to Ravenhill and you wouldn't hear a peep out of anyone as the crowds wouldn't be near what they are now. Saturday should be a sell-out (it is) and we all appreciate the sacrifice our loyal supporters make."

Ronnie McCormack has been growing into the loosehead role this season, though Fosi Pala'amo is yet to last 80 minutes in blue. Will Green is injured so the Leinster scrum will be targeted by their more settled counterparts. Corrigan will certainly feature.

"Over the next few weeks you'll certainly see the squad system in use. We're all conscious of the fact that there are injuries in the squad so we all need to take responsibility."

Another old-timer stretches his legs tomorrow. Paddy Wallace's breakthrough against the Pacific Islands probably means an end to speculation about an international comeback by David Humphreys. His release from Ireland duties has been reflected in the performances for Ulster of the former Test outhalf .

This fact, and the re-emergence of Ulster as a genuine force, hasn't been lost on Leinster coach Michael Cheika this week.

"I remember last year's game and it was really tough," said Cheika. "Those guys are really in their prime; they're flourishing and they have the (league) title from last year.

"Their most improved player has to be Humphreys. He's on fire. He's playing with a certain freedom and he's got some new players alongside him that he can give ball to and he gives them a more expansive game.

"We watched a video and he gave a ball back inside to (David) Trimble. You'd think he passed it the other way. He's having a running renaissance."

Who said time waits for no one?